Painting back o' the tank

theyangman

Distinguished Member
Joined
May 22, 2013
Location
London, Ontario
I have painted all my tanks. The first two I used spray cans. This is simple if you go slow and use lots of thin coats. Do not let it run or you can see it sometimes. Make sure you clean the back of the tank really good and wipe it clean with a paper towel and some rubbing alcohol to remove any last traces of oils. Do this outside. I did not realize how much over spray can float away and how much crap gets on things in the vacinity. Either do it outside or in an area where you don't care about black paint dust landing on and it will. Oh it will

The 220 I bought I went a different method. I used acrylic paint and a roller from an art supply store. This wasn't as cheap but there was no mess. Just a drop cloth and I could control where the paint was at all times. It goes on a lot thicker so less coats were needed. Once again make sure the surface is free of any oils.

Spray bombs: I used Krylon Fusion Matte Black. (available at walmart or any regular home depot type store)
Regular paint: I used Rheotech Acrylic - Carbon Black (got this at the art store at the corner of southdale and wharncliffe)
 

Duke

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Joined
Sep 20, 2011
Am I the only one with the standard black plastic background from petsmart? Lol
 

DerekL

Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2013
Location
Windsor, Ontario
I went to a vinyl graphics place and bought a piece big enough to cover the back of my tank. Cost me $10 went on fairly easy and if I ever want will come off nice and easy. No worries of salt creep getting between it and the glass like the aquarium back grounds.
 

reeffreak

Super Active Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2013
Location
Sarnia, Ontario
Duke link said:
Am I the only one with the standard black plastic background from petsmart? Lol

No your not .. The benefit of this is when you start hating on the black you can flip it over and make it blue. :)
 

Duke

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Joined
Sep 20, 2011
reeffreak link said:
[quote author=Duke link=topic=6428.msg62778#msg62778 date=1380803797]
Am I the only one with the standard black plastic background from petsmart? Lol

No your not .. The benefit of this is when you start hating on the black you can flip it over and make it blue. :)
[/quote]

Ah true, I mulled it over when I first setup the tank going with the blue side but didn't. At this point it barely is even needed, my back glass is pretty much straight purple.
 
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